Seat load sensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 10 ) is used in a vehicle having a vehicle seat ( 2 ) for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan ( 4 ) for supporting the vehicle seat ( 2 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) includes a vehicle seat frame ( 20 ), a sensor ( 99 ), and a member ( 60 ). The vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) supports a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat ( 2 ). The vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) is movable vertically upon application of a vertical load to the vehicle seat frame ( 20 ). The sensor ( 99 ) transfers the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat ( 2 ) from the vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) to the vehicle floor pan ( 4 ). The sensor ( 99 ) detects a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred. The member ( 60 ) damps force transferred by the vehicle seat ( 2 ) and the vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) to the vehicle floor pan ( 4 ). The member ( 60 ) is interposed between the vehicle floor pan ( 4 ) and the sensor ( 99 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for sensing a load, andmore particularly, to an apparatus for sensing the load imparted to avehicle seat by a vehicle occupant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional vehicle occupant load sensing apparatus includes a loadsensor placed between a corner of a vehicle seat frame and a supportmount for the seat. The sensor is directly within the vertical load pathof the occupant's weight and responds to the vertical loads imparted tothe seat by the occupant of the seat. In addition, the sensor mayrespond to torque loads between the seat and the support mount. Sincethe seat frame and the support mount must withstand large torque loads(i.e., tilting of the seat frame during crash conditions), typically thesensor also must be constructed to withstand large torque loads.

This construction exposes the sensor to large dynamic loads over shortperiods of time, such as during a collision to the vehicle. Thus, thesensor may not produce a reliable vertical load output signal subsequentto such a dynamic loading event.

A load sensing apparatus which mitigates such dynamic loading during adynamic loading event would eliminate the requirement of replacing theload sensing apparatus subsequent to the dynamic loading event.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention isused in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant and avehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat. The apparatusincludes a vehicle seat frame, a sensor, and a member. The vehicle seatframe supports a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat. Thevehicle seat frame is movable vertically upon application of a verticalload to the vehicle seat frame. The sensor transfers the load of thevehicle occupant in the vehicle seat from the vehicle seat frame to thevehicle floor pan. The sensor detects a part of the load of the vehicleoccupant and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of thepart of the load transferred. The member damps force transferred by thevehicle seat and the vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. Themember is interposed between the vehicle floor pan and the sensor.

An apparatus in accordance with another aspect of the present inventionis used in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant and avehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat. The apparatusincludes a bracket, a sensor, and a member. The bracket supports a loadof the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is movablevertically relative to the bracket upon application of a vertical loadto the vehicle seat. The sensor transfers the load of the vehicleoccupant from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan. The sensordetects a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and provides anoutput signal indicative of the amount of the part of the loadtransferred. The member damps force transferred by the vehicle seat tothe vehicle floor pan. The member is interposed between the vehiclefloor pan and the sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the invention will become moreapparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdescription of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one aspect of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 2 takenalong line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another aspect of the apparatusof FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 4 takenalong line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-3,a vehicle occupant load sensing apparatus 10 is used in a vehicle havinga seat 2 for the vehicle occupant. A vehicle floor pan 4 supports thevehicle seat 2. The apparatus 10 includes a vehicle seat frame 20 forsupporting the vehicle seat 2, a sensor 99 for sensing a load placed onthe vehicle seat, a resilient member 60 for absorbing dynamic loadsimparted to the sensor by the vehicle seat, a bracket 30 fortransmitting the load from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan, anupper track 12 for supporting the bracket, and a lower track 16 foradjustably supporting the upper track.

The vehicle seat frame 20 supports a weight load of the vehicle occupantin the vehicle seat 2. During a vehicle collision, the seat frame 20 mayalso sustain upward and lateral loads created by the vehicle collision.The load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat 2 is transmittedthrough the sensor 99, the bracket 30, upper track 12, and lower track16 from the vehicle seat frame 20 to the vehicle floor pan 4.

The lower track 16 is fixedly attached to the vehicle floor pan 4 in asuitable manner. The lower track 16 has two opposite side rails 17, 18.The upper track 12 has two opposite rails 13, 14 that slidingly engagethe side rails 17, 18 of the lower track 16. The upper track 12 mayslide on the lower track 16 for manual forward or rearward adjustment ofthe position of the seat 2 for occupants of varying sizes, as is knownin the art. The bracket 30 is thus supported by the upper track 12 sothat it is vertically stationary and does not move as a result of loadsapplied to the vehicle seat 2.

The bracket 30 is typically constructed of a suitable metal such assteel. The bracket 30 has a first horizontal lower portion 40 for fixedconnection to the upper track 12 and a second upper horizontal portion50 for connection to the sensor 99 through the resilient member 60. Thefirst portion 40 of the bracket 30 is connected to the second portion 50of the bracket 30 by a vertical portion 55 thereby forming a C-shapedchannel (FIG. 3). The upper horizontal portion 50 of the bracket 30 hasan upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54 opposite the upper surface.The lower horizontal portion 40 of the bracket 30 has an upper surface42 and a lower surface 44 opposite the upper surface.

The resilient member 60 is interposed between the sensor 99 and thefirst upper portion 50 of the bracket 30. The resilient member 60absorbs, or dampens, dynamic loads placed on the vehicle seat 2 therebyprotecting the sensor 99. The resilient member 60 typically a resilientbushing, is compressible and expandable as the vertical load on the seatframe 20 increases or decreases. The resilient member 60 is typicallyformed of rubber or other suitable elastomer.

The resilient member 60 has a toroidal shape with a first upper surface62 and a second lower surface 64 opposite the upper surface. Theresilient member also has an inner annular surface 66 interconnectingthe upper and lower surfaces 62, 64 and an outer annular surface 68interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The outer annular surface68 has an annular groove 69 for receiving the upper horizontal portion50 of the bracket 30.

A downward limit stop bracket 80 prevents over-travel of the vehicleseat frame 20 from an excessive downward load on the vehicle seat frame20. The bracket 80 has an S-shape in cross-section (FIG. 2) with anupper horizontal portion 82, a lower horizontal portion 84, and avertical middle portion 86 interconnecting the upper and lower portions.The upper horizontal portion 82 is secured for movement with the vehicleseat frame 20 such that, when a predetermined excessive downward load isapplied to the vehicle seat frame 20, a lower surface 85 of the lowerhorizontal portion 84 contacts the upper surface 52 of the upperhorizontal portion 50 of the bracket 30 thereby preventing furtherdownward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of theresilient member 60 allows this limited downward movement to occur. Thepredetermined excessive downward load is dependent on the material ofconstruction of the resilient member 60.

An upward limit stop bracket 120 prevents over-travel of the vehicleseat frame 20 from an excessive upward load on the vehicle seat frame20. The bracket 120 has a generally annular shape with an inner annularsleeve portion 122, an outer ring portion 124, and an annular horizontalportion 126 interconnecting the inner and outer portions. The bracket120 is secured for movement with the vehicle seat frame 20 such that,when a predetermined excessive upward load is applied to the vehicleseat frame 20, an upper surface 125 of the outer ring portion 124contacts the lower surface 54 of the upper horizontal portion 50 of thebracket 30 thereby preventing further upward movement of the vehicleseat frame. The compressibility of the resilient member 60 allows thislimited upward movement to occur.

The sensor 99 is typically a single bolt axial sensor which detectsaxial loads on it and supports the attached structure against lateralloads. One example of this type of sensor is a Texas Instruments PartNumber 4WS3-1.

The sensor 99 has a rectangular main body portion 101 with an electronicplug 103 extending laterally therefrom, an upper threaded stud 107extending upward from the main body portion, and a lower threaded stud109 extending downward from the main body portion. The two studs 107,109 lie on a single axis 991. The main body portion 101 has an upperhorizontal surface 111 from which the upper stud 107 extends and a lowerhorizontal surface 113 from which the lower stud 109 extends.

An upper fastener member 140, typically a nut, and a lower fastenermember 150, typically a nut, secures the apparatus 10 together. Theupper threaded stud 107 of the sensor 99 extends upward from the mainbody portion 101 through a bore in the upper horizontal portion 82 ofthe bracket 80 and a bore in the vehicle seat frame 20 to the upperfastener member 140.

The upper surface 111 of the main body portion 101 of the sensor 99engages a lower surface 821 of the upper horizontal portion 80 of thebracket 80. An upper surface 822 of the upper horizontal portion 82 ofthe bracket 80 engages a lower surface 21 of the vehicle seat frame 20.An upper surface 22 of the vehicle seat frame 20 engages the upperfastener member 140.

The lower threaded stud 109 extends downward from the main body portion101 simultaneously through a bore defined by the inner annular sleeveportion 122 of the bracket 120 and a bore defined by the inner annularsurface 66 of the resilient member 60 to the lower fastener member 150.

The lower surface 113 of the main body portion 101 of the sensor 99engages the upper surface 62 of the resilient member 60. The lowersurface 64 of the resilient member 60 engages an upper surface 127 ofthe annular horizontal portion 126 of the bracket 120. A lower surface129 of the annular horizontal portion 126 of the bracket 120 engages thelower fastener member 150.

The two fasteners 140, 150 together secure the resilient member 60 in acompressed condition. Thus, part of the resilient member 60 compressesand part of the resilient member expands when a vertical load is placedon the vehicle seat frame 20.

When a downward load is placed on the seat frame 20, the portion 601 ofthe resilient member 60 between the lower surface 113 of the sensor 99and the upper surface 52 of the upper portion 50 of the bracket 30compresses while the sensor 99 senses the downward load. As statedabove, the portion 601 of the resilient member 60 mitigates any downwarddynamic load, or spike, that may be imparted to the apparatus 10 duringa collision or other such condition.

When an upward load is placed on the seat frame 20, the portion 603 ofthe resilient member 60 between the lower surface 54 of the upperportion 50 of the bracket 30 and the upper surface 127 of the horizontalportion 126 of the bracket 120 compresses while the sensor 99 senses upthe upward load. As stated above, the portion 603 of the resilientmember 60 mitigates any downward dynamic load, or spike, that may beimparted to the apparatus 10 during a collision or other such condition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGS.1 and 4-5, a vehicle occupant load sensing apparatus 210 is used in avehicle having a seat 202 for the vehicle occupant. A vehicle floor pan204 supports the vehicle seat 202. The apparatus 210 includes a vehicleseat frame 220 for supporting the vehicle seat 202, a sensor 299 forsensing a load placed on the vehicle seat, a resilient member assembly260 for absorbing dynamic loads imparted to the sensor by the vehicleseat, a bracket 230 for transmitting the load from the vehicle seat tothe vehicle floor pan, an upper track 212 for supporting the bracket,and a lower track 216 for adjustably supporting the upper track.

The vehicle seat frame 220 supports a weight load of the vehicleoccupant in the vehicle seat 202. During a vehicle collision, the seatframe 220 may also sustain upward and lateral loads created by thevehicle collision. The load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat202 is transmitted through the sensor 299, the bracket 230, upper track212, and lower track 216 from the vehicle seat frame 220 to the vehiclefloor pan 204.

The lower track 216 is fixedly attached to the vehicle floor pan 204 ina suitable manner. The lower track 216 has two opposite side rails 217,218. The upper track 212 has two opposite rails 213, 214 that slidinglyengage the side rails 217, 218 of the lower track 216. The upper track212 may slide on the lower track 216 for manual forward or rearwardadjustment of the position of the seat 202 for occupants of varyingsizes, as is known in the art. The bracket 230 is thus supported by theupper track 212 so that it is vertically stationary and does not move asa result of loads applied to the vehicle seat 202.

The bracket 230 is typically constructed of a suitable metal such assteel. The bracket 230 has a first horizontal lower portion 240 forfixed connection to the upper track 212 and a second upper horizontalportion 250 for connection to the sensor 299 through the resilientmember assembly 260. The first portion 240 of the bracket 230 isconnected to the second portion 250 of the bracket 230 by a verticalportion 255 thereby forming a C-shaped channel (FIG. 5). The upperhorizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230 has an upper surface 252 and alower surface 254 opposite the upper surface. The lower horizontalportion 240 of the bracket 230 has an upper surface 242 and a lowersurface 244 opposite the upper surface.

The resilient member assembly 260 is interposed between the sensor 299and the first upper portion 250 of the bracket 230. The resilient memberassembly 260 absorbs, or dampens, dynamic loads placed on the vehicleseat 202 thereby protecting the sensor 99. The resilient member assembly260, typically two annular resilient bushings, is compressible andexpandable as the vertical load on the seat frame 220 increases ordecreases. The resilient member assembly 260 is typically formed ofrubber or other suitable elastomer.

The resilient member assembly 260 has a first upper member 261 and asecond lower member 262. The first and second members 261, 262 aresymmetric about the upper horizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230,thereby together forming a resilient member similar to resilient member60 of FIGS. 2 & 3. Together the members 261, 262 form a toroidal shapewith a first upper surface 263 and a second lower surface 264 oppositethe upper surface (FIG. 5). The resilient member assembly 260 also hasan inner annular surface 266 interconnecting the upper and lowersurfaces 263, 264 and an outer annular surface 268 interconnecting theupper and lower surfaces. The outer annular surface 268 has an annulargroove 269 for receiving the upper horizontal portion 250 of the bracket230.

A downward limit stop bracket 280 prevents over-travel of the vehicleseat frame 220 from an excessive downward load on the vehicle seat frame220. The bracket 280 has an S-shape in cross-section (FIG. 4) with anupper horizontal portion 282, a lower horizontal portion 284, and avertical middle portion 286 interconnecting the upper and lowerportions. The upper horizontal portion 282 is secured for movement withthe vehicle seat frame 220 such that, when a predetermined excessivedownward load is applied to the vehicle seat frame 220, a lower surface285 of the lower horizontal portion 284 contacts the upper surface 252of the upper horizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230 therebypreventing further downward movement of the vehicle seat frame. Thecompressibility of the resilient member assembly 260 allows this limiteddownward movement to occur. The predetermined excessive downward load isdependent on the material of construction of the resilient memberassembly 260.

A limit stop bracket assembly 320 prevents over-travel of the vehicleseat frame 220 from an excessive load on the vehicle seat frame 320. Thebracket assembly 320 has an upper bracket member 321 and a lower bracketmember 322. The bracket members 321, 322 are symmetric about the upperhorizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230 (FIGS. 4 & 5). Together thebracket members 321, 322 have a generally annular shape with an innerannular sleeve portion 323, an upper outer ring portion 324, a lowerouter ring portion 325, an upper annular horizontal portion 326interconnecting the inner sleeve portion and the upper outer ringportion, and a lower annular horizontal portion 327 interconnecting theinner sleeve portion and the lower outer ring portion.

The bracket assembly 320 is secured for movement with the vehicle seatframe 220 such that, when a predetermined excessive downward load isapplied to the vehicle seat frame 220, a lower surface 328 of the upperouter ring portion 324 contacts the upper surface 254 of the upperhorizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230 thereby preventing furtherdownward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of theupper resilient member 261 allows this limited downward movement tooccur.

Similarly, bracket assembly 320 is secured for movement with the vehicleseat frame 220 such that, when a predetermined excessive upward load isapplied to the vehicle seat frame 220, an upper surface 329 of the lowerouter ring portion 325 contacts the lower surface 254 of the upperhorizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230 thereby preventing furtherupward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of thelower resilient member 262 allows this limited downward movement tooccur.

The sensor 299 is typically a single bolt axial sensor which detectsaxial loads on it and supports the attached structure against lateralloads. One example of this type of sensor is a Texas Instruments PartNumber 4WS3-1.

The sensor 299 has a rectangular main body portion 301 with anelectronic plug 303 extending laterally therefrom, an upper threadedstud 307 extending upward from the main body portion, and a lowerthreaded stud 309 extending downward from the main body portion. The twostuds 307, 309 lie on a single axis 992. The main body portion 301 hasan upper horizontal surface 311 from which the upper stud 307 extendsand a lower horizontal surface 313 from which the lower stud 309extends.

An upper fastener member 340, typically a nut, and a lower fastenermember 350, typically a nut, secures the apparatus 210 together. Theupper threaded stud 307 of the sensor 299 extends upward from the mainbody portion 301 through a bore in the upper horizontal portion 282 ofthe bracket 280 and a bore in the vehicle seat frame 220 to the upperfastener member 340.

The upper surface 311 of the main body portion 301 of the sensor 299engages a lower surface 921 of the upper horizontal portion 282 of thebracket 280. An upper surface 922 of the upper horizontal portion 282 ofthe bracket 280 engages a lower surface 221 of the vehicle seat frame220. An upper surface 222 of the vehicle seat frame 220 engages theupper fastener member 340.

The lower threaded stud 309 extends downward from the main body portion301 simultaneously through a bore defined by the inner annular sleeveportion 322 of the bracket assembly 320 and a bore defined by the innerannular surface 266 of the resilient member assembly 260 to the lowerfastener member 350.

The lower surface 313 of the main body portion 301 of the sensor 299engages an upper surface 331 of the upper horizontal portion 326 of theupper bracket member 321. A lower surface 333 of the upper horizontalportion 326 of the upper bracket member 321 engages the upper surface263 of the resilient member assembly 260. The lower surface 264 of theresilient member assembly 260 engages an upper surface 335 of the lowerhorizontal portion 327 of the lower bracket member 322. A lower surface337 of the lower horizontal portion 327 of the lower bracket member 322engages the lower fastener member 350.

The two fasteners 340, 350 together secure the resilient member assembly260 in a compressed condition. Thus, part of the resilient memberassembly 260 compresses and part of the resilient member assemblyexpands when a vertical load is placed on the vehicle seat frame 20.

When a downward load is placed on the seat frame 220, the portion 701 ofthe upper resilient member 261 between the lower surface 333 of theupper horizontal portion 326 of the upper bracket member 321 and theupper surface 252 of the upper portion 250 of the bracket 230 compresseswhile the sensor 299 senses the downward load. As stated above, theportion 701 of the upper resilient member 261 mitigates any downwarddynamic load, or spike, that may be imparted to the apparatus 210 duringa collision or other such condition.

When an upward load is placed on the seat frame 220, the portion 703 ofthe lower resilient member 262 between the lower surface 254 of theupper portion 250 of the bracket 230 and the upper surface 335 of thelower horizontal portion 327 of the bracket member 322 compresses whilethe sensor 299 senses the upward load. As stated above, the portion 703of the lower resilient member 262 mitigates any downward dynamic load,or spike, that may be imparted to the apparatus 210 during a collisionor other such condition.

In either apparatus 10 or 210, any initial stresses incurred by thesensor due to initial loading by manufacturing tolerances or assemblytolerances (i.e., tightening of the fastener members, etc.) may befactored out during an initial calibration of the sensor.

The sensor produces an output signal directly proportional to thevertical force applied to the seat frame via the vehicle seat (i.e., theweight of the vehicle occupant, a load incurred during a vehiclecollision, etc.). The sensor, while preferably the sensor 99 or 299described above, may be any comparable sensor.

Either apparatus 10 or 210 may be placed at a corner of a rectangularseat frame and may be used in conjunction with other similar apparatusesto generate multiple signals (such as two at the front corners of a seatframe and two at rear corners of a seat frame in FIG. 1). A wire harness390 may transmit the output signals from the apparatuses to anelectrical controller 400.

The sensor 10 or 210 may be electrically connected to the controller bylead wires running to the connector plugs 103 or 303 mounted on thesensor. The controller 400 processes the signals from the apparatuses ateach corner of the seat and generates an output signal indicative of theload on the seat frame. The multiple signals also can be analyzed by thecontroller 400 to produce output signals for controlling occupantprotection devices, such as an air bags, seat belt pretensioners, etc.

A seat belt assembly (not shown) may also be associated with the vehicleseat. The seat belt assembly would include a seat belt retractor,mounted for example to the vehicle floor pan, and a seat belt buckleconnected to the bracket. The seat belt would extend from the retractorto the buckle across a vehicle occupant in the seat.

From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the artwill perceive improvements, changes and modifications. For example, theapparatus 10 or 210 may be placed below the upper and lower tracks withthe bracket attaching directly to the vehicle floor pan. Suchimprovements, changes and modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for use in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicleoccupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat, saidapparatus comprising: a vehicle seat frame for supporting a load of thevehicle occupant in the vehicle seat, said vehicle seat frame beingmovable vertically upon application of a vertical load to said vehicleseat frame; a sensor for transferring the load of the vehicle occupantin the vehicle seat from the said vehicle seat frame to the vehiclefloor pan, said sensor detecting a part of the load of the vehicleoccupant and providing an output signal indicative of the amount of thepart of the load transferred; and a member for damping force transferredby the vehicle seat and said vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floorpan, said member being interposed between the vehicle floor pan and saidsensor.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said member has afirst portion compressible as said vehicle seat frame moves in avertical direction, said member further having a second portionexpandable as said vehicle seat frame moves in the vertical direction.3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including an upper trackfixedly connected to said member, said upper track engaging a lowertrack and movable on said lower track for adjusting said seat foroccupants of varying sizes.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1further including two fastener members for securing said vehicle seatframe, said sensor, and said member together.
 5. The apparatus asdefined in claim 1 further including a bracket, said member beinginterposed between said bracket and said sensor.
 6. The apparatus asdefined in claim 1 further including a bracket having a first horizontalportion for attachment to said member and a second horizontal portionfor attachment to the vehicle floor pan.
 7. The apparatus as defined inclaim 1 further including a fastener member for prestressing said memberinto a compressed condition.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein a first part of said member is compressible as said seat framemoves downward, a second part of said member being expandable as saidseat frame moves downward.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein a first part of said member is compressible as said seat framemoves upward, a second part of said member being expandable as said seatframe moves upward.
 10. The apparatus as define in claim 11 furtherincluding a bracket for limiting vertical displacement of said vehicleseat frame.
 11. An apparatus for use in a vehicle having a vehicle seatfor a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting thevehicle seat, said apparatus comprising: a bracket for supporting a loadof the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat beingmovable vertically relative to said bracket upon application of avertical load to the vehicle seat; a sensor for transferring the load ofthe vehicle occupant from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan,said sensor detecting a part of the load of the vehicle occupant andproviding an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of theload transferred; and a member for damping force transferred by thevehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan, said member being interposedbetween the vehicle floor pan and said sensor.
 12. The apparatus asdefined in claim 11 wherein said bracket includes a first horizontalportion for attachment to the vehicle floor pan, a second horizontalportion for attachment to said member, and a third vertical portioninterconnecting said first portion and said second portion.
 13. Theapparatus as defined in claim 13 further including a travel stop bracketfor limiting vertical movement of the vehicle seat.
 14. The apparatus asdefined in claim 16 wherein said member is compressible as the vehicleseat moves downward and expandable as the vehicle seat moves downward.15. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said member iscompressible as the vehicle seat moves upward and expandable as thevehicle seat moves upward.
 16. The apparatus as defined in claim 11wherein said member is compressible as the vehicle seat moves downwardand compressible as the vehicle seat moves upward.
 17. The apparatus asdefined in claim 16 wherein said member is expandable as the vehicleseat moves downward and expandable as the vehicle seat moves upward. 18.The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said sensor is part of agroup of four sensors placed at each corner of the vehicle seat.
 19. Theapparatus as defined in claim 11 further including a vehicle seat framefor supporting the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat,said sensor being vertically movable with said vehicle seat frame. 20.The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said bracket has a C-shapedcross section.